If necessary will shut mobile, Facebook to prevent question leak during exams: Nahid

The government is planning to shut out mobile phone networks and social media sites during public exams, the education minister has said, apparently stung by widespread criticism of question paper leaks.

At a meeting with law enforcing officials on Thursday over the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams of 2015, he instructed ministry officials to 'look into’ relevant the laws.

Nurul Islam Nahid also threatened to 'break the hands' of those trying to leak questions.

"It's not right to let the next generation's future be ruined because of mobile phones. Look into the laws, if needed will keep shut mobile phones (network) during exams. We will also close Facebook, if necessary," he said at the meeting attended by reporters.

Social media are abuzz after news reports appeared of Bangla and English tests of the primary terminal exams being leaked.

Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman, however, rubbished the suggestion as 'rumours', claiming there were no proof of any leak. He even said he would take all responsibility if there was any.

Earlier, incidents of leaked questions of Junior School Certificate exams being available on social media sites like Facebook were reported.

Police had arrested several people in this connection from different parts of the country.

This year's SSC and HSC exams were also marred by allegations of question paper leak. As a consequence, the English second paper test of the HSC had to be cancelled and taken again.

In August this year, the education minister had said that 32 sets of question papers would be prepared for public exams to prevent leaks. He had also said then that the law would be amended to punish those who 'spread confusion' and 'rumours' about paper leaks.